Context and Overview
The publication "Housing Policies in the Service of Social and Spatial (In)Equality" by Iva Marčetić, published by Right to the City in Zagreb, provides an insightful analysis of the housing landscape in Croatia and its implications for social and spatial equality. It focuses on how historical and contemporary housing policies have shaped the living conditions of citizens, particularly in urban areas like Zagreb. The research highlights the significant impact of privatization and the transition from socially owned housing to market-driven housing solutions.
Historical Background
The book asserts that the legacy of the Yugoslav system of housing provision has left a profound mark on current housing policies. At its peak, around 90% of households in Croatia owned their homes, a figure that reflects both a cultural preference for ownership and systemic inequalities. However, the publication argues that this high rate of homeownership has not translated into better living conditions for all, with many homes overcrowded and lacking adequate infrastructure.
Privatization and Its Consequences
The transition period starting in the early 1990s saw a significant shift with the privatization of socially owned housing. The process was characterized by a rush to privatize housing stock, often disregarding the needs of lower-income families and ethnic minorities. For instance, the legislation allowed for the sale of homes, which disproportionately affected Serbian nationals who had tenancy rights, thereby facilitating ethnic cleansing under the guise of privatization.
Housing Debt and Affordability Crisis
As housing policies shifted towards encouraging homeownership through loans, household debt skyrocketed. By 2008, housing loans accounted for 40% of GDP, reflecting an unsustainable reliance on debt for housing stability. The average citizen was forced into increasingly precarious situations, with many unable to afford basic housing due to rising prices fueled by speculative lending practices.
Public Housing Initiatives
The book details various public housing initiatives, including the Publicly Subsidized Housing Construction Programme (POS), which aimed to provide affordable housing. However, despite the construction of thousands of units, the program was criticized for benefiting only a small segment of the population, primarily those with access to loans, while leaving many vulnerable groups without adequate housing solutions.
Spatial Inequalities and Urban Exclusion
Marčetić emphasizes the growing spatial inequalities exacerbated by housing policies that prioritize profit over social welfare. Urban areas, particularly in Zagreb, are witnessing significant demographic shifts, with wealthier populations pushing into central locations while lower-income families are pushed to the peripheries. This trend not only affects social cohesion but also exacerbates access to essential services and infrastructure.
Conclusion
The publication ultimately calls for a re-examination of current housing policies to address the deep-seated inequalities perpetuated by past and present practices. It underscores the importance of integrating social considerations into housing policy to promote sustainability and equity within urban environments across Europe.